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DEC Announces Changes for Hunting in the Cayuga-Tompkins/King Ferry Cooperative

Beginning October 1,new changes will be in effect for hunters using the Cayuga-Tompkins/King Ferry Cooperative, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today.

DEC staff will be at the check station from approximately 8:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. only. On days when staff leave before all hunters have checked out, a log book will be provided for hunters to sign out of the properties. Every hunter, regardless of whether they have taken game, must sign out. Pheasant stocking will occur in the early morning hours and small game hunters will not be allowed onto the properties until 9:00 a.m.

"The assistance and cooperation of local landowners has been the key to the success of the Cayuga-Tompkins Cooperative," noted DEC Region 7 Director Ken Lynch. "By opening up their lands to hunting these property owners assist DEC in meeting its wildlife management goals and provide large tracts of land on for local sportsmen and sportswomen to hunt. Cooperative landowners who are farmers see fewer deer eating their crops; thus, the program is a win-win for all involved.

As in past years, those wishing to hunt must complete a registration form and sign a rules and concepts form. These forms are available on line at: http://www.dec.gov/outdoor/71870. The registration form is in fillable format and can be completed and e-mailed, sent via US mail to the DEC's Wildlife Office in Cortland, or hand delivered to the King Ferry Check Station, enabling those who are proactive to have first chance at their hunting location of choice. Pre-registered big game and waterfowl hunters will continue to be allowed to report directly to their reserved area before sunrise. Non-registered hunters are required to report to the check station after 9:00 a.m. to register prior to hunting.

DEC reminds hunters that all areas in the Cooperative are private lands that are restricted to the public unless a valid permit is obtained by DEC prior to hunting. Hunting permits for the Cooperative are administered on a daily basis and are obtained through reservation, by phone only, on the day prior to your hunt or through "stand-by" after 9:00 a.m. on the day of your hunt. All hunting activities must cease by sunset and all parties must check out no later than one hour after sunset. There is a 500-foot no firing zone located around all buildings and other structures, and tree stands must be carried in and removed daily.
Hunters are responsible for reading and understanding the complete list of rules for the Cooperative which are outlined in the Co-op brochure that is available at the Co-op or on DEC's website at: http:/www.dec.gov/outdoor/71870. Questions about hunting on the Cooperative can be directed to DEC's Cortland Wildlife office at 607-753-3095. After October 1 questions can be directed to the Cooperative at 315-364-7777.